After 100 days of working the Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles model, CEO Thomas Schäfer has outlined his imaginative and prescient for the marque, providing particulars concerning the firm’s upcoming EV merchandise within the course of.
In a LinkedIn put up, Schäfer, who beforehand was the top of Skoda Auto, mentioned that Volkswagen would solely construct electrical vehicles in Europe from 2033 on the newest. That will be two years forward of the European Union’s 2035 ban on inside combustion engines.
“Alongside this, we’re stepping up our e-campaign, introducing ten new e-models by 2026. Our new entry-level e-car will are available two variations – as a small automotive and as a sporty crossover variant. As well as, we’re wanting into making a compact SUV primarily based on the ID.3.”
That is an fascinating replace as a result of up till now, Volkswagen was believed to be growing a single entry-level EV, a sub-ID.3 crossover anticipated to put on the ID.2 moniker. Now we be taught that Volkswagen will provide two base EVs, a small hatchback and a sporty crossover.
The truth that VW can be contemplating an ID.3 SUV is noteworthy as effectively, and it not directly confirms that the entry-level EVs might be subcompacts—consider them as the electrical counterparts to the VW Polo and T-Roc. Volkswagen beforehand mentioned that the goal worth for its entry-level EV is below €25,000 ($24,850), and Schäfer says that aim is maintained.
The Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback belongs to Europe’s C-segment, which clearly implies that an ID.3 SUV would compete in the identical class. It is secure to imagine that the ID.3 SUV might be barely smaller than the present ID.4 SUV to keep away from cannibalizing gross sales, echoing the VW T-Roc’s market positioning in relation to the Tiguan.
Thomas Schäfer instructed Autocar that the mannequin would look dramatically completely different to the ID.3 when it arrives earlier than 2026. Taking a look at Volkswagen’s present ID. household of EVs that share the identical design language, that is relatively stunning to be taught.
Particularly since earlier this 12 months, phrase acquired out that the automaker determined to not undergo with the ID. Life Idea’s boxy design for its entry-level EV, and a teaser sketch launched in Might (see above tweet) previewed a fairly related design to the ID.3.
The ten electrical car fashions that the VW model plans to launch by 2026 will vary from the entry-level mannequin to the ID. Aero flagship sedan, and can embody facelifted variations of present fashions, such because the ID.3 coming subsequent 12 months, Schäfer mentioned.
